Pruning your beloved crepe myrtle may be easier than you think
Though popularized in the South, crepe myrtle trees grow just about anywhere in the U.S., bringing their stunning blossoms and attractive fall foliage with them. However, these gorgeous trees offer unique trimming challenges, and mistakes are costly, easily turning the majestic crepe into a useless stump.
However, by following some crucial pruning information for crepe myrtle trees, including when to break out the clippers, you can learn how to trim a crepe myrtle tree successfully.
Pruning a crepe myrtle is essential to keep your tree looking its best and to highlight those flowering blossoms each year. Trimming also helps maintain a natural sculptural form, opens up the center to reveal the bark, and creates strong branches that help to hold the blossoming flowers upright.
Luckily, there is some room for personal preference here, as crepe myrtles take to different pruning types. Consider going for a multi-stem look or a natural look to maximize your curb appeal or backyard look.
If you live in constant fear of mangling your beloved crepe myrtle, consider going the professional route for a quick turnaround and excellent results. Hiring a pro to trim a tree costs $150 to $1,500, but crepe myrtle trees fall on the lower side of that spectrum as they max out around 15 to 25 feet. Of course, a smaller crepe myrtle makes for a more budget-friendly trimming process.
Wait until late winter to prune your crepe myrtle trees. Doing so during this time period ensures that the trees are leafless, giving you an excellent view of each and every branch. Crepe myrtles bloom exclusively on new growth, so pruning during February and March won’t get in the way of seasonal blooming.
However, over-trimming does get in the way of future blossoms, so exercise caution here. Always have a plan when trimming a crepe myrtle, and don’t overdo it. There’s a thin line between a properly maintained tree and a lifeless stump without gorgeous bark or flowering blossoms.
There are a few different methods to trim your crepe myrtle tree, along with various end results. Each of these methods is DIY-friendly and requires common tools like hand pruners and loppers.
Make a plan ahead of time to ensure you don’t over-trim no matter which method you choose. Spend some time studying the plant to know exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. Cut conservatively. You can always go back later and prune more.
Finally, follow safety precautions like working with a buddy if you have to use a ladder and never trimming more than 25% of the tree.
The single-trunk look for a crepe myrtle is always a great choice, though it requires a significant time commitment. This method is best started when the tree is young, as it is significantly more difficult to retroactively prune older plants to this style and shape. Remember, crepe myrtles are naturally multi-trunk trees, so you are fighting against nature a bit with this method.
Start by removing any extra stems popping out from the ground, including any tree suckers. For the uninitiated, tree suckers are those little shoots that shoot up near the trunk. Taking care of both ensures the plant won’t grow another trunk.
If your tree already has multiple trunks, choose a dominant trunk based on aesthetics, though the best choice is typically the one that is closest to the center of the tree.
Prune away the non-dominant trunks at the base of the tree using your preferred trimming or cutting tool. This step allows the majority of the tree’s branching to occur at the top quarter, making for an attractive result once spring hits.
These are trunks, so they are more difficult to remove than simple branches. Use a pruning saw if the diameter is more than 1 ½ inches thick.
Once these trunks are gone, finish off the process by trimming away excess branches below the 5-foot mark. Doing so gives the tree a more pronounced appearance at the top.
Trim conservatively and if you are unsure about a branch, leave it for now. You can always come back later.
These trees grow multiple trunks when left alone, so many go for a multi-trunk look to reduce the time commitment and to create a more natural aesthetic. More trunks also translate to more new growth, which leads to more flowering blossoms.
To achieve the desired multi-stem look, allow the tree to branch along the length of each stem. Start by cutting off or pulling out any suckers from the bottom near each trunk.
Trim away any cross-growing branches that are pointed inward, as these branches cover up the trunks and limit views to the bark and flowering blossoms.
Now, it is time to go slowly. Ever so gradually cut off side branches from the main base, starting low and moving up the tree. Feel free to break this up into multiple days so you have “fresh eyes” to ensure you don’t over-trim.
Take special care to remove lone or clustered stubs with your preferred pruning tool.
Generally speaking, if a branch is thicker than a pencil and it is in an undesired location, it is safe to remove.
If there are errant branches higher up the tree, grab a ladder and repeat the above step. Again, be sure to follow ladder safety tips like working on even ground and in good weather.
While you may be eager to break out the pruning shears, many homeowners have opted to allow their crepe myrtle trees to grow more naturally to beautiful results. Adhering to the tree’s natural shape requires little pruning, so the workload is significantly decreased.
For the most part, allow the plant to branch and spread naturally. Water and fertilize properly to help this process along.
Trim sparingly during late winter. Go just far enough to reveal the multi-toned bark on each trunk. Of course, this is the natural method, so only trim as much as you feel comfortable with. Some do not prune at all. However, you should be sure to prune any dying or diseased limbs.
The only mistake worth worrying about here is over-trimming the tree. Just like the previous methods, go slowly and err on the conservative side.
Beyond pruning, there are many other useful tips to ensure your crepe myrtle remains a visually stunning centerpiece of your property.
Allow your tree plenty of sunlight: Crepe myrtles require a good six hours of sunlight each day to truly thrive. In other words, arrange your property so the tree receives all of this life-giving sunlight. Trim nearby trees, if necessary, and move any obvious obstacles.
Fertilize lightly: Don’t go overboard with the fertilizer. Use a slow-release formulation high in nitrogen for the best results, as these types of fertilizers promote more flowers and healthy growth.
Keep an eye on fungi: These trees are susceptible to mold, mildew, and all kinds of fungal infections. Perform regular inspections of the tree to suss out early fungal growth and apply a general fungicide if needed.
Use the right soil: These plants are not too picky regarding soil pH levels, but neutral or slightly acidic soils are your best bet. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining to reduce the chances of root rot.
Crepe myrtles are not the tallest trees on the block, making them appropriate for DIY trimming. However, they still grow up to 25 feet high, with a spread of up to 15 feet extending from the trunk. In other words, larger specimens require ladders and plenty of safety gear.
If you are leery of spending all day on a ladder while holding a sharp pruner (understandable!), contact a local tree trimming service to do the job for you. Tree trimming pros have the experience and expertise necessary to do the job safely and efficiently. However, even when you hire a pro, you still have a big say in the look of the tree. Don’t be afraid to work with your pro and make your preferences known so they can achieve your desired crepe myrtle look.
You don’t usually have to prune your crepe myrtle for the health or safety of the plant, and unpruned trees actually produce the most flowers. However, this is a risky aesthetic proposition, as you will have no control over where the flowers bloom on the tree. Additionally, flower clusters on pruned specimens are larger than those from unpruned plants. Finally, neglecting to prune your plant, even when it is diseased or growing unevenly, can put your tree in danger.
If you want head-turning flower clusters in a location of your choosing, prune or trim the plant.
How often you decide to prune depends on the size of the tree and how many branches and new growths pop up during the year. Also, if your tree is large and growing in a position that does not accommodate its size, go for annual pruning to keep things copacetic. At the very least, remove the tips of your crepe myrtle tree each year.
Topping a tree involves removing branches and trunks from the top down. It also involves trimming everything above a certain height, including leaves, blooms, and other green materials, so you are left with just bare trunks. This process results in aging lower trunks and fragile, twiggy tops. In other words, topping a crepe myrtle, or any tree for that matter, is not the best look and can be detrimental to the plant.
